Dale Hunter not returning to Capitals in 2012-13

Hunter took over behind the bench on Nov. 28. (Photo: Associated Press)

Dale Hunter will not return as the head coach of the Washington Capitals for the 2012-13 season, the team confirmed Monday.

Hunter, who took over for Bruce Boudreau after he was fired in late November, will return home to Canada, Capitals GM George McPhee said at a press conference. McPhee said Hunter consulted with his family before making the decision to go back to Ontario.

Washington's playoff run ended on Saturday in a 2-1 Game 7 loss to the New York Rangers. Hunter said that going home to the Knights, calling it a "family business," outweighed staying with Washington next season.

Hunter played for the Capitals between 1987 and 1999, helping lead the franchise to its only Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1998.